Analysis: The Significance of Macron's Displayed Muscles
Emmanuel Macron's recent boxing snapshots hint at his physical vigor, yet symbolize a political and diplomatic predicament, suggests expert analysis.
Adam Plowright, the author of "The French Exception: Emmanuel Macron - The Extraordinary Rise and Risk," shares his views in this commentary. The views expressed are his own. For more insights, check out CNN Opinion.
Many people were skeptical when they first saw French President Emmanuel Macron's intense black-and-white boxing photos. The immediate question on everyone's mind was whether the muscular presidential arm, with veins bulging, had been digitally altered.
Adam Plowright
Adam Plowright
Some people on social media questioned whether the images were created by artificial intelligence or cleverly edited using Photoshop. However, it was revealed that the pictures were actually taken by the president's personal photographer. When asked about the skeptics doubting her work, she simply brushed off their criticisms.
The social media meme factory quickly got to work, creating images of Macron as Popeye, the spinach-eating sailor superhero. He was also compared to “Raging Bull” Jake LaMotta. Less flattering photos of his arms were found and placed side-by-side, with captions like “Your profile picture vs real life” added by users. Real boxing coaches even critiqued his technique.
However, these images raise bigger questions. Why did Macron choose to do this? And why now?
Since entering politics in 2014, the 46-year-old has always been skilled at drawing attention to himself. He has a knack for being the focal point of any conversation, earning him the title of "disruptor." Politicians dread becoming irrelevant, and he knows how to stay in the spotlight.
In addition to his political prowess, he has always been passionate about sports. Although his days of playing soccer are behind him and he rarely has time for tennis, he has taken up boxing at the presidential palace gym since becoming president in 2017. Sometimes, he even spars with his aides or bodyguards.
Getting the French population active is a top priority for him leading up to the Paris Olympics this year. He recently shared a video online, carrying boxing gloves, encouraging everyone in France to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
One of the moody photos of French President Emmanuel Macron boxing, released this week.
One of the moody photos of French President Emmanuel Macron boxing, released this week.
Soazig de la Moissonnière/Instagram
Macron appeared strong and determined in the photos, showing readiness for a challenge with a clenched jaw. However, he is currently facing various battles that seem to be slipping out of his grasp. Despite being physically fit like the character Rocky, politically and diplomatically, he finds himself in a difficult position.
His second term in office, which he won with little campaigning two years ago, was quickly overshadowed by the country's most severe protests in decades and has since been directionless. Despite his continuous efforts to combat the anti-immigration party led by Marine Le Pen, the polls continue to show a decline.
Le Pen's party is poised to win the upcoming European parliament elections in June with a potential 10-point lead. Many experts now consider the possibility of her replacing Macron in 2027. Some studies show that both she and her protege, 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, rank as the second- and third-most popular politicians in France.
Meanwhile, the French economy is heading towards a decline, which could lead to a significant strain on public finances. Macron recently gathered top ministers and allies for a dinner meeting, where he encouraged them to brainstorm ways to reduce spending, all while enjoying a seafood buffet.
Bigger threats are present in the east and west. Some people believed that the typical boxing pictures were a signal to the skilled judo expert in the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is known for showcasing his masculine strength through staged activities like riding horses shirtless or spearfishing.
A drop in the ocean. French President Emmanuel Macron visits the submarine, "Le Terrible," off the Brittany coast, in 2017.
A drop in the ocean. French President Emmanuel Macron visits the submarine, "Le Terrible," off the Brittany coast, in 2017.
Emmanuel Macron/Twitter
Macron is no stranger to this area, as he has demonstrated in the past by sharing a video of himself being lowered onto a nuclear submarine by helicopter.
After dedicating months to preventing conflict in Ukraine through diplomatic efforts with Putin, Macron has emerged as a leading defense advocate in Europe. He has shifted from his previous concerns about upsetting the former KGB man and criticizing Eastern European nations as "war-mongers".
In late February, Macron surprised European capitals by not ruling out the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is seen as weak by Macron, was also not willing to provide long-range missiles to Kyiv.
The infamous lengthy handshake between then-US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the NATO summit, in Brussels, 2017.
The infamous lengthy handshake between then-US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the NATO summit, in Brussels, 2017.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
Macron, like other EU leaders, is getting ready for the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. He believes that showing strength is the best way to communicate with his bulky US counterpart. The two men have had intense handshakes that felt more like wrestling matches, with Macron once gripping Trump's hand so tightly that it turned white.
Being a former investment banker, Macron is a risk-taker by nature. He prefers to take proactive actions. Despite facing challenges in Paris, Kyiv, and Washington, he wants to assure everyone that he will continue to fight back.
Editor's P/S:
The article analyzes the symbolic significance of French President Emmanuel Macron's recent boxing photos, exploring their implications for his political persona and France's current socio-political landscape. By showcasing his physical prowess, Macron aims to project strength and determination amid domestic and international challenges. The images raise questions about his motives and the broader message he seeks to convey.
Macron's boxing photos have sparked debate, with some questioning their authenticity and others seeing them as a reflection of his political strategy. The article suggests that Macron's decision to release the photos is part of a calculated effort to maintain his image as a disruptor and to address concerns about his leadership in the face of rising economic and political challenges. It also highlights the importance of symbolism and perception in shaping public opinion and influencing political outcomes. boxing photos and their implications for his political career.
